"(Bullying) has occurred in our teaching hospitals for decades, and there is still a lack of courage or firm actions to prohibit it. Hence, I will soon issue a regulation that will prohibit it," Sadikin stated after a press conference with Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) officials here on Friday.
The minister noted that his side found that bullying in medical residency is closely related to the difficulties faced by junior doctors to obtain a recommendation letter to continue their medical education.
Sadikin then highlighted a bullying case where junior doctors attending a medical specialist education program were forced to spend up to tens of millions of rupiah as offering for senior doctors, often for personal and even inappropriate purposes.
Bullying continues unabated in medical education, as junior doctors are reluctant to report the bullying they experienced or witnessed for fear that it will be detrimental to their residency process.
Moreover, some junior doctors are afraid that their seniors will bully them even more if they are caught reporting the practice to authorities, the minister added.
Sadikin expressed optimism that the regulation would protect all doctors, eradicate bullying in medical education, and ensure safe and comfortable education and work environment for health officers.
However, he did not divulge details on when the regulation will be issued.
"We will take firm action against seniors or teachers, who commit bullying, thereby ensuring our medical students are sufficiently protected," the minister stressed.
"I affirm that anyone committing (bullying) in teaching hospitals, such as RSCM, will be firmly responded to," he remarked.
Related news: Ministry suggests anti-bullying provisions for Health Bill
Related news: Minister presses for heightened supervision to prevent bullying
Related news: Educational institutions should be safe, free from bullying: BRIN
Translator: Hreeloita DS, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
